The 18 Retinols That Derms *Actually* Use (...Because I Asked Them) (2024)

IDK who needs to hear this, but retinol isn't just for your face. You can—and should!—be using retinol on your body in the form of a retinol body lotion or retinol body serum. I personally love this one from Nécessaire. It combines 0.5 percent retinol with mandelic acid and lactic acid to tighten and smooth skin, plus peptides and vitamins to help support your skin's natural repair process. It's super effective at fading the dark spots on my chest and firming the loose skin above my knees.

• Format: Serum
• Size: 5.1 oz
• Key ingredients: Retinol, AHAs, peptides, niacinamide, vitamin E

Glowing customer review: "I'm at the stage of my life where I’m using retinol everywhere, and this product helps to clear my skin imperfections and improves a texture. The morning after using this my skin has a nice glow to it."

A lot of luxury skincare products feel fun and fancy to use but lack in the results department. Luckily, that's not the case with this high-performing anti-aging serum from Augustinus Bader. It combines retinol with the brand's proprietary TFC8 molecule and zinc to stimulate cell turnover (the key to smoother, brighter, clearer skin), improve laxity and firmness, and soothe any inflammation.

• Format: Serum
• Size: 1 oz
• Key ingredients: Retinol, TFC8, zinc complex

Glowing customer review: "This stuff is amazing! It’s very lightweight. Use before a moisturizer after cleansing. It has a very light almost nonexistent scent. It has shrunken my pores and drastically reduced my fine lines. My face feels super soft afterwards. I love it. With consistency you will see improvement. It comes with a stand also!"

If you're still recovering from sticker shock after looking at the price of Augustinus Bader's $$$ retinol serum, may I suggest this much more affordable option from The Inkey List instead? The time-released formula has got thousands of 5-star ratings on Sephora and is loved for its ability to reduce signs of aging, like fine lines, uneven skin texture, and dark spots. In my testing experience, it's much gentler than other retinol serums I've tried making it a great entry level retinol product IMO.

• Format: Serum
• Size: 1 oz
• Key ingredients: Retinyl acetate, squalane

Glowing customer review: "I purchased this retinol cream for the inexpensive price and I glad I did. I used it every night and I noticed my skin a lot smoother, brighter, helped with my pores and it made my face look plump."

I love a good skincare pad, so when I saw Dr. Dennis Gross and his team (makers of my all-time fave Alpha Beta Daily Peel) were launching a pre-soaked pad with retinol I absolutely had to try it. My expectations were high for this one, and I'm happy to report that they weren't just met, they were exceeded. Not only is the pad format easy to use and super convenient for travel, the formula is top notch. The combo of retinol and bakuchiol (a plant extract that acts similarly to retinol) smooth lines and wrinkles, while antioxidant-rich ferulic acid and hydrating hyaluronic acid counteract any potentially irritating side effects.

• Format: Pre-soaked pad
• Size: 0.07 oz
• Ingredients: Retinol, bakuchiol, rambutan, ferulic acid

Glowing customer review: "At first I was worried to use this pad and thought it would sting my skin since I have dry skin, but it was not harsh and didn't irritate my skin. The individual pads were super handy and the formula works really well for me since I noticed my skin is now more even overall."

Dermatologists, aestheticians, and editors love this over-the-counter retinol from Skinbetter. "It contains a stabilized form of retinol and an AHA, which when used together, are great for improving cell turnover and rejuvenating the complexion," says Tavernise. In clinical studies, AlphaRet is shown to be non-inferior to prescription strength retinoids for treating signs of aging like dark spots and fine lines, adds Dr. Marcus.

• Format: Cream
• Size: 1 oz
• Key ingredients: Retinol, AHAs, vitamin C, peptides

Glowing customer review: "I've been using this consistently for three weeks and have noticed a huge improvement in my skin," writes a tester. "My skin looks so much smoother and my pores are basically non-existent."

I love this retinol serum because it also contains ceramides to help moisturize and strengthen the skin, says Dr. Lal. It's a great option for both new and experienced retinol users, he notes, and it's especially great for anyone dealing with acne scars and marks thanks to a dose of brightening niacinamide and licorice root extract.

• Format: Serum
• Size: 1 oz
• Key ingredients: Retinol, ceramides, niacinamide, licro

Glowing customer review: "This is the best retinol I've found for treating acne scars that isn't totally overpriced. It's lightweight, fast-absorbing, and makes my skin smoother and more even-toned."

This over-the-counter retinol contains an ingredient called adapalene. It's the strongest retinol you can get without a prescription and it's ideal for treating all forms of acne, including blackheads, whiteheads, and cystic acne, says Dr. Marcus. Adapalene regulates cell turnover to prevent your pores from getting clogged and helps reduces inflammation—two of the primary causes of breakouts.

• Format: Gel
• Size: 1.6 oz
• Key ingredient: Adapalene

Glowing customer review: "I was dealing with really bad breakouts on my chin and cheeks and this treatment helped clear them up in a month. It's the only over-the-counter product I've tried that's actually works to reduce acne."

A favorite of Tavernise's, this over-the-counter retinol serum from Sunday Riley combines two different forms of retinol with botanical extracts that behave similarly to retinol to soften fine lines and rough texture and make your pores look teeny-tiny. The formula is also infused with antioxidant CoQ10 to minimize inflammation and redness on the skin as well.

• Format: Serum
• Size: 1 oz
• Key ingredients: Retinol, hyaluronic acid, CoQ10

Glowing customer review: "I'm in my 30s and use this serum nightly. My face feels firmer and smoother and there's an overall glow to my skin that I never had before making this a part of my routine."

New to retinol? Start with this gentle, yet effective, formula from Bliss. The serum formula contains a stabilized form of retinol along with plumping peptides and moisturizing ingredients like vitamin E, amino acids, and squalane to mitigate any drying side effects, says Dr. Marcus. "It’s also fragrance-free and absorbs easily—and as a bonus, the packaging is adorable!"

• Format: Serum
• Size: 0.67 oz
• Key ingredients: Retinol, peptides, squalane

Glowing customer review: "This is a fantastic entry product to the world of retinol. The formula feels lovely on skin and it's super gentle too."

Retinol Reform is the beauty brainchild of LA-based aesthetician Shani Darden. Her clients (who include A-listers like Shay Mitchell and Jessica Alba) swear by the potent serum for keeping their skin clear, soft, and smooth. Inside the bottle? A blend of encapsulated retinol to plump lines and boost firmness, exfoliating AHAs to smooth uneven texture and minimize the appearance of pores, and antioxidant apple fruit extract to protect skin from environmental aggressors.

• Format: Serum
• Size: 1 oz
• Key ingredients: Retinol, lactic acid, apple fruit extract

Glowing customer review: "I’ve been using this for about six weeks and there is definitely a difference in my skin. The texture of my skin looks and feels softer and smoother and my pores are smaller too. I’ve also noticed that the tone of my skin is more even and I have less redness."

Another gem from La Roche-Posay. Dr. Lal likes this over-the-counter retinol for sensitive skin types. "This is a gradual-release retinol product, which means the retinol is absorbed into the skin slowly throughout the day to minimize irritation and increases efficacy," says Dr. Lal. It also contains vitamin B3 (aka niacinamide) to help soothe the skin as well.

• Format: Serum
• Size: 1 oz
• Key ingredients: Retinol, niacinamide, glycerin

Glowing customer review: "My dry, sensitive skin loves this serum. It's never once caused irritation or flaking and the fine lines on my forehead looks way less noticeable."

This anti-aging cream from drugstore skincare brand Neutrogena is an absolute classic. The iconic formula is loved for its ability to smooth and plump lines with a combo of retinol and hyaluronic acid. And because the retinol in the formula is stabilized, it can be used in the morning or at night.

• Format: Cream
• Size: 1.7 oz
• Key ingredients: Retinol, hyaluronic acid

Glowing customer review: "I love this stuff. The creases and folds around my forehead and mouth are less pronounced and my skin feels firmer and more bouncy too."

Upgrade your p.m. skincare routine with this hard-working night cream from Allies of Skin. It's made with all the good stuff: a form of retinol called retinaldehyde, skin-plumping peptides, brightening niacinamide, and plant-based oils that are rich in fatty acids and antioxidants. Massage a small amount into clean skin before bed to soften lines and fade discoloration with consistent use.

• Format: Cream
• Size: 1.7 oz
• Key ingredients: Retinaldehyde, peptides, niacinamide, argan oil, cloudberry seed oil

Glowing customer review: "I have been using this nightly for a good month now and I see a difference in my skin. It's plumper, more radiant, and the crows feet under my eyes seem less noticeable. Overall, I recommend this as a really nice overnight moisturizing cream with retinol."

"This over-the-counter retinol serum is a new favorite of mine," says Dr. Lal. In addition to retinol, it has hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and peptides which help moisturize and plump the skin to make fine lines less noticeable, says Dr. Lal. "My patients love the way it makes their skin look and feel."

• Format: Serum
• Size: 1 oz
• Key ingredients: Retinol, hyaluronic acid, peptides

Glowing customer review "From the moment I started using this serum, my skin had a visible improvement. The lines around my eyes and mouth look less deep and my skin has a really nice healthy glow."

The combo of retinol, salicylic acid, and witch hazel in this nighttime treatment work together to unclog pores, curb excess oil production, and smooth rough, bumpy texture. For best results, use a pea-size amount on clean, dry skin twice a week at night, increasing your frequency as your skin begins to acclimate.

• Format: Serum
• Size: 1 oz
• Key ingredients: Retinol, salicylic acid, witch hazel

Glowing customer review: "This product has absolutely changed my skin for the better. It's strong—a little goes a long way—but it really helped clear out my pores and get rid of the little bumps around my T-zone."

Dry skin types will love that this over-the-counter retinol serum is infused with silver mushroom extract—a plant-based humectant that's just as good (if not better) at plumping and hydrating the skin as hyaluronic acid. It comes in two strengths: 0.25 and 0.5. If you're new to retinol I suggest starting with 0.25 and if you're a long-time user go with the 0.5 version.

• Format: Serum
• Size: 1 oz
• Key ingredients: Retinol, silver mushroom, oat extract

Glowing customer review: "My dermatologist recommend I start using this to smooth my fine lines and fade my dark spots and I'm so glad I did. The results are seriously impressive and I love how the silky texture feels on my skin."

Technically, Ro's Custom Cream contains prescription-strength retinol called tretinoin, but because you get can it without a trip to the derm or any insurance headaches, I'm counting it as an over-the-counter option. Head to the Ro site and complete the 10 minute online "visit" to get a custom cream containing tretinoin and other actives (like azelaic acid and tranexamic acid) for your specific skin type/concerns shipped to your front door.

• Format: Cream
• Size: One month supply
• Key ingredients: Tretinoin

Glowing customer review: "My skin has drastically changed from using this. It's more clear, no new breakouts, visibly less scarring...my skin feels fresh!"

Retinol is great for plumping and smoothing the skin around your eyes, but unless the serum or cream you're using is specifically formulated the for the delicate eye area, it may be too strong and end up causing irritation. Enter: this retinol eye cream from First Aid Beauty. It combines an encapsulated form of retinol (it's safe to use in the morning and at night, FYI) with hydrating hyaluronic acid to minimize dryness and soothing oat extract to counteract inflammation.

• Format: Cream
• Size: 0.5 oz
• Key ingredients: Retinol, hyaluronic acid, oat extract

Glowing customer review: "I love how this eye cream makes my eye area look brighter, smoother, and more awake. It never pills or gets clumpy when I layer it with skincare or makeup either."

Absolutely, over-the-counter retinol serums and creams are effective. That said, they aren't as strong as the prescription retinol you'd get from a dermatologist or doctor. "The active form of retinol is retinoic acid, which is the form that's found in Rx-strength formulas," says Dr. Marcus. "Over-the-counter formulas need to be converted to retinoic acid once applied to the skin, which diminishes their potency."

This isn't necessarily a bad thing though! Rx-strength retinols (like Retin-A Micro and Altreno) are excellent anti-agers and acne-reducers, but they do have their downsides, namely dryness and flaking, says Tavernise.